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5 Ways That Antiques Are Good for the Planet (and you!)

Reduces
landfill When you buy a new piece of furniture, as soon as it leaves the
shop floor, its value immediately drops to almost half. Whereas an antique,
with its history and quality of craftsmanship, will hold or increase its value
as the years go by. Antique furniture was hand made from properly seasoned
timber, so the need to replace due to damage is minimal… compared to the
average 15 year cycle of modern pieces. So where landfills are full of modern
furniture from a well-known Scandinavian furniture giant, antiques are
cherished in the home, kept in the family or re-sold.

Reduces carbon emissions, Although many modern furniture makers are paving the way for a greener future, there are still many who mass produce pieces in large factories, often overseas, with large CO2 outputs. In 2010, Carbon Clear produced a study that tested the difference in level of emissions between modern and antique furniture. It was a thorough study, which took into account a range of factors including raw materials, manufacturing, transportation and disposal. The findings were alarming; a new chest of drawers will have a carbon impact up to sixteen times higher than an antique chest of drawers!

Supports local
business. With so much of the UK retail sector now being online, many high
street shops are being boarded up, and we are losing a sense of community. Antique
dealers are local independent retailers in a high street threatened by the big
chains. Many of these dealers, whilst still maintaining a good web presence,
have kept their physical shops. They are aware that it’s essential to have a
gallery or showroom space for customers to come and view their potential purchases.

Preserves our heritage for future generations Antique furniture creates a wonderful picture of the period from which it was made, reflecting social history and domestic lives. The varying styles and methods of manufacture are a window to the past, whether it is a Georgian commode for the bedroom or a butler’s tray for the dining room. The genius of a Chippendale design still influences designers to this day.

They make you happy! Ever stroked the silky patina of an early oak coffer? Smelt the lingering scent of turmeric from a William & Mary spice cabinet? Admired the perfect proportions of a Georgian bureau? There is no greater pleasure – and when you are lucky enough to cherish an antique in your own home, this is something that you can experience every day.